The Tragedy Behind Picasso’s Blue Period
The Unforeseen Events Leading to the Birth of Picasso’s Iconic Blue Era
Many know Picasso's Blue Period.
Few know it started in Paris with parties, sex, drugs, unrequited love with a model, and deadly tragic shootings in a Café.
Almost no one knows the surprising end with the model and Picasso.
Let’s dive in.
1. Here begins the story
In 1899, Pablo Picasso and Carles Casagemas met at the renowned Barcelona tavern Els Quatre Gats, a popular hangout for artists of the time.
Both were teenagers and aspiring artists who quickly became inseparable friends, indulging in the city’s nightlife of excesses, alcohol, and brothels.
At just 18, they decided to pursue their artistic dreams in Paris, seeking not only to establish themselves as artists but also to immerse themselves in the bohemian lifestyle that the city offered—women, music, and vibrant parties.
2. Paris, bohemian life and falling in love recklessly
In Paris, Casagemas had many women, but fell hopelessly in love with Germaine Gargallo, a strikingly beautiful model who was part of their social circle.
Despite his intense feelings, Germaine rejected all of Casagemas's advances, leading him into a deep obsession.
As his fixation grew, Casagemas abandoned his art, succumbing to alcohol and morphine. Concerned for his friend's deteriorating mental state, Picasso took him back to Barcelona in an attempt to help.
Unfortunately, Casagemas's obsession did not wane, and he soon returned to Paris, still consumed by his unrequited love.
3. Paris, tragedy and ending?
On February 17, 1901, Casagemas arranged a gathering at the café L’Hippodrome on Boulevard Clichy under the pretense of a farewell.
During the event, he attempted to shoot Germaine but missed.
In the ensuing chaos, as onlookers tried to subdue him, Casagemas turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.
The end.
The end?
The death of his close friend left Picasso devastated.
4. Or the beginning of a revolution?
He fell into a period of deep depression, which gave rise to his Blue Period.
This phase is characterized by somber, monochromatic paintings featuring elongated figures and themes of sorrow and alienation.
Picasso’s work from this era reflects the profound sadness and contemplation sparked by the loss of Casagemas.
5. And the most unexpected ending
What’s most surprising is that during his deep depression, Picasso returned to Paris and…began a relationship with Germaine!
The relationship Casagemas never had, Picasso seems to have had.
Although it initially appeared that their relationship was brief, later studies of various drawings suggest that the baby Germaine had in 1903 might have been fathered by... Pablo Picasso.
What led Picasso to start that relationship?
What mix of emotions must Picasso have harbored?
How would his friend Carles Casagemas have felt if he had known?
To what extent did it affect Picasso’s work?
We may never know.